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New Tamagotchi Connection(R) V5 Lets Kids Raise a Family of Characters

CYPRESS, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- More family equals more fun with the new Tamagotchi Connection Familitchi! As the most technologically advanced version of the world's first and top selling "virtual pet" tech toy, the Tamagotchi Connection(R) V5 from Bandai America Incorporated allows kids to experience family values while raising multiple characters simultaneously in one toy. The new V5 features never before seen characters with differing personalities. Based on how they are raised, they can grow up as an intellectual, artistic, cheerful or even laid back family.

"For the first time ever, Tamagotchi Connection V5 takes the Tamagotchi experience to new heights by giving fans the ability to take care of an entire family of characters at the same time," said Colleen Sherfey, senior director of marketing, Bandai America Inc. "Kids can share in the excitement as their characters play games together, trade gifts, and become pals. The depth of play and hours of endless entertainment make more family more fun."

Expanding the Tamagotchi experience, Familitchi features many types of families and generations that can be raised. Kids can get the Mames (the intellectual family), Memes (artistic family), Kuchis (laid back family) and even the Violes (cheerful family.) How the family of three siblings bonds and grows up together depends on how kids raise and care for them.

Tamagotchi Connection V5 extends its magical world to Tama & Earth Expo, the new addition to the Tamagotchi virtual world (www.TamaTown.com). Now, it's even more Tama-rrific by offering multiple new ways in which fans can interact within the site. Visitors can travel to different "Pavilions," offering them an opportunity to explore foreign locations like Europe and Asia. Fans can also check out the Ecology Pavilion to learn about ways to save the planet or the Gotchi Amusement Park to play games and have some good clean fun. While using "Gotchi Points" and special passwords, visitors can go online to shop, visit the travel agency, grab a bite to eat, get a new job and buy the hottest clothes. New games and other activities are also available online for even more fun, codes and collectible souvenirs.

Tamagotchi Connection V5 continues to offer all the fan favorites that have made it the consistently top-selling and award-winning toy that it is today, such as the popular infrared technology feature, which allows Tamagotchi toys to "connect" with others. Tamagotchi Connection V5 includes the most characters ever (65 total), including some that have never been introduced before, as well as more collectible souvenirs that can be stored inside the toy. V5 also sports a snazzy new look with a house-shaped icon on the antenna's end, and comes in a fun redesigned package.

About Tamagotchi Connection

Originally launched in 1997, the egg-shaped Tamagotchi - which simulates the life cycle of a real pet - went on to sell more than 40 million units worldwide and created a brand new toy category within the industry. Bandai America reintroduced the brand in 2004 with a new and highly popular infrared technology "connection" feature, thereby creating stronger-than-ever consumer demand among young kids and adults alike.

The new Tamagotchi Connection includes an ever-expanding assortment of design styles, games, new characters (for a total of 53) and 144 total collectible souvenirs. Tamagotchi Connection V5 debuted in January at all major retailers nationwide with a SRP of $14.99. Debuting in July will be the refresh of Tamagotchi Connection V5, as well as the Tamagotchi Pedometer, Tama-watchi, and redesigned Gotchi Gear(TM) line (SRP of $5.99 - $12.99.). For more information about Tamagotchi, please visit www.Tamagotchi.com.

About Bandai America Inc.

A leader in introducing Japanese toy trends to the United States, Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of NAMCO BANDAI Holdings (USA) Inc., an entity that resulted from the integration of Namco Ltd. and Bandai Co. Ltd. of Japan. Global interests encompass six strategic business units: toys and hobby (toys, models, apparel and sundries), amusement facilities, game content (home and arcade console gaming), network (mobile phone and PC content), visual and music content (including home entertainment), and an affiliated business group. Bandai America is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys and entertainment today, including Power Rangers, Ben 10(TM), Dragon Ball Z(R), Digimon, Blue Dragon(TM), Tamagotchi(R) and Girlz Connect. The company is headquartered in Cypress, California and information is available at www.Bandai.com.